Thanks to everyone again for reading my story. I guess with all of the hits and no reviews I am doing a fairly good job at this story! And, I thank you all.

as you all know, or should know, none of these characters are mine...how unfortunate! they are the brilliant workings of the very talented J. K. Rowling. I will claim Katrina as my own, only because this is who I want to be!

Enjoy! :)

CHAPTER 11

HOW DID SHE KNOW?

Upon their return to the Castle, Severus brought their things to their chambers. Katrina walked up to Dumbledore's office, but before she could, the spiral staircase had been closed off by the statues of the Gargoyles.

"What say you, little Slytherin girl?" One of the gargoyles said.

"I do say." The other said. "You come with the Potions Master an awful lot."

"She does, doesn't she! The first agreed.

"Would you please let me through to see the Headmaster?" Katrina asked. "I need to speak to him about my wand."

"Such a pity." The second gargoyle admitted. "Dumbledore is not in his office at the moment. What to do, what to do."

"I only ask nicely once." Katrina said holding her hand out to the statues.

"Lemon drops." Came Severus voice as he turned the corner. Slowly the gargoyles moved away, showing the staircase to the Headmasters office. "Do not pay them any mind, dear." Reaching her, he smiled then escorted her up to Dumbledore's office.

Katrina knocked and stood by the door waiting for an answer. "The gargoyles said he wasn't in."

"He would have told the staff if he were going anywhere." Severus opened the door walking in behind Katrina.

"This is a surprise." Dumbledore said at the top of his staircase. "What do I owe the pleasure of this lovely visit?"

"First off…" Severus started. "Katrina seems to think you can mend her wand." Dumbledore descended the stairs, walking to his desk where Severus and Katrina now stood. "Secondly, the Malfoy's and the Dawlish's were the only ones at The Three Broomsticks."

"Pull out your wand, Katrina." Dumbledore asked. Katrina pulled it out, placing it on his desk. "My, my. And why, may I ask, did you do this?"

Katrina hung her head. "To prove to them that I didn't need a wand to inflict a proper punishment on them, sir."

Dumbledore chuckled. "Drastic measures don't you think, Katrina?"

Still bowing her head, she replied. "Yes, sir." Dumbledore pulled out his wand waving it over Katrina's broken one. After he had mended it, Katrina said. "Thank you, sir."

"You are more than welcome." He put his wand away then turned to Severus. "What had they talked to you about, Severus?"

"Nothing of great importance, sir. Which, somewhat surprised me. Just who was going where in search of the dark lord." He looked at Katrina, who had not yet turned around. "Lucius decided he wanted to take Katrina again." His voice became stiff, trying to contain his anger as he continued. "He placed his hand on Katrina's leg. She then flirted with him making him think that he'd be getting what he wanted, though the minute they were both standing, Katrina placed her hand over his heart starting to chant. It was an excellent piece of work she did,, since she scared the others."

"I brought him as close to death as I could, without actually killing him." She still did not look at either of them. Severus walked to her putting his arm around her. "I haven't looked to see if I've been marked anywhere."

Dumbledore turned to the pair. "You mean your face, or your arm?"

She took in a deep breath, fighting her tears. "The marks are not just on my arms, sir." She pulled away from Severus, walking away from them. Not looking at them, she. removed her robes, then removed her blouse, revealing a tank top. Her arms looked completely tattooed. "Before I show you, I must tell you something first." She moved her hair over her shoulder to the front of her. She turned her head to the side saying, "My parents had done something so…" She took another deep breath. "…you will understand once I show you how horrible they are. As an infant, I had been given what has been known as the Ultimate Mark. A gift from them-so to speak." She removed her tank top as they had seen this tattoo on her back. Seven of the deadliest creatures alive. She unclasped her bra, covering her breasts.

There upon her back were a Basilisk, dragon, wolf, a winged beast with many heads, a woman who was part snake, a Minotaur, and a siren.

"Katrina!" Severus gasped. "Why have you never shown these to me?"

"I only have them when I use magic without a wand. Part of the incantations. This is the markings of the darkest magical beings ever-if they all end up touching one another." She clasped her bra, then put her tank top and blouse back on. "I try to keep them as far apart from one another as I can. I want no part of what happens when and if they do touch."

"What will happen, Katrina?" Dumbledore asked just as shocked as Severus had been.

"I have been told I will become all of them." She choked out. She refused to look at them and cautiously walked to the door. "I am deeply sorry that I scared the both of you with my-my…" she didn't finish-running out the door and away from the both of them.

Katrina had run out of the Castle- trying to escape her life. As she wandered by the forbidden forest, she decided to walk in. Sitting on the cold ground, she broke down. She needed this-to be secluded from everyone-including Severus.

Sitting in the Forbidden forest for hours, she finally calmed herself and started walking back out. As she left the forest, she had seen no one and started walking. Not hearing anyone, but sensing someone, she stopped.

She did not turn as she spoke. "How long have you been out here?"

As if knowing who it was, she heard his voice directly behind her. "Shortly after you left Dumbledore's office, we had both seen you from his window entering." He did not touch her, but reached out to her and thought she might still want space. "I wanted to walk in and find you, sweetheart."

"I'm in a way glad that you didn't." She choked out. Trying to collect herself, she looked up at the night sky. "It's a beautiful night. I would love to have enjoyed seeing the sun set."

Walking behind her, he wrapped his arms around her. "I know I have told you this before, but, you are and always will be more beautiful than anything on this Earth. I will love you until I breathe my last breath."

Her breath hitched as she started to cry. "You are an amazing man, Severus Snape."

As the next few months went by, Severus and Katrina stayed happy. During the day they would act as if they hated each other, but they made up for it at night, during Severus time off, by making up to each other and loving one another unconditionally.

Christmas was coming fast and Severus had known that all the Slytherin's were going home for the holidays. He had gone off to buy things for Katrina, while she stayed behind, studying and writing essays to get ahead, so she wouldn't be rushing around before the break ended.

Christmas Eve arrived. Severus was roaming the Castle patrolling the corridors, while Katrina ran around casting spells rearranging the armor just for the fun of it.

When Severus found Katrina, they were on the Seventh floor-the Room of Requirements opened, and the sound of a piano playing through out the Castle.

Katrina did not notice that Severus was her only audience as he stood at the entrance quietly watching her play. Ending the song some time later, Severus clapped his hands together, startling Katrina, who quickly turned around. "How long have you been standing there?" She smiled.

"Shortly after I heard you start playing." He stood where he had been, though wanting desperately to take her in his arms, but, unsure who would be walking around. "If you are done, I would like to escort you back to your room."

She stood, then walked to Severus, who had his arm extended for her to take. As they left the room, she became pouty. "I thought we could have shared a dance together."

Smiling, he looked into her eyes. "We will in our chambers." That night, they went to bed as they always had. Christmas morning came, Severus woke Katrina like he always has. "Happy Christmas, my love." He whispered.

"Happy Christmas to you too, my wonderful Potions Master." She smiled as he leaned in to kiss her.

"You must get up and open all your gifts."

"What did you go and do that for?" She whispered, holding him close to her. "You're impossible sometimes. You are the only gift I want, and I am thankful that every day I have you."

"Well, as much as I love you, I'm afraid to say there are quite a few things in your chambers that require opening." He pulled away, leaning on his arm watching her.

"I wish that you didn't go through all that trouble for me." She said touching his chest. "I would have been more than satisfied with having you wake me a certain way as my gift."

"But, you let me wake you in our special way every morning, sweetheart." He smiled as he kissed her again. "Get up, I want to know what you have in your room."

As they made their way to what used to be her chambers, she had seen her bed covered in gifts. She turned after a moment, looking at Severus. "You are too much, you know that?"

"If I cannot spoil you, then being with you wouldn't be right." He said as they walked to her bed. "Besides, I get thanked very well after spoiling the woman I love."

She turned in his arms, saying, "That you do. And you will be thanked many times over for today for a very long time."

He quickly kissed her, but lingered. "I am hoping to be thanked many times in just one day." He smiled. "Now, open them all."

As the morning went on, Severus had gotten Katrina many gifts, but what he did not realize was that Katrina equaled everything out by buying him the same amount of gifts.

As the days flew by, school resumed after the start of the new year. In early February, Katrina had gotten up with Severus, but was not feeling like her usual self. She was nauseated, feeling a bit ill. She had never said anything to him about it, she thought it would pass as they day went on. She had gone to the Potions room after breakfast and waited for class to begin.

"Settle down, settle down." Severus told the class. "Your potions have been settling for the weekend and they should be matured for you to finish your potion today. Get your vials on my desk and begin."

Katrina had gotten her vial of potion and started in, by putting it in the cauldron, before adding the other ingredients. Severus wandered around the class, like he always had. He had walked around Katrina as he would degrade everyone around her. As Katrina worked on her potion and caught Severus as they smiled at one another from time to time. Half way through the class, Katrina collapses on the floor.

Turning to see what had happened, Severus said, "Get out of my way!" as he rushed to Katrina side, he knelt down checking her breathing. "Keep working on your potions." He ordered the other students. "I will be back momentarily after taking Katrina to the Hospital wing." He picked Katrina up in his arms. "I will know if you have been goofing around when I get your test vials at the end of class."

Waking shortly after leaving the Potions room, Katrina wakes up in Severus' arms. "Professor, what is going on? Why are you carrying me?"

"Dear, you had fainted in the classroom. I am taking you to the Hospital wing now." Severus whispered.

"Please, Severus, let me walk. I will be fine." She said as Severus had placed her down and put his arm around her. They finally reached the hospital wing after several minutes. "Severus, we do not need to go inside. I will be fine in a few days."

"Dear, I do not know what is wrong with you, and for my benefit, we will go and make sure you are alright." Severus said as Katrina looked at him. "You are going inside this room and getting checked out." He said firmly.

"Alright. I will go inside for you. Only to find out what is wrong with me, which will probably be nothing." Katrina said and they walked inside. They take a few steps and Katrina faints again.

"Katrina." Severus said as he knelt down to her. Madame Pomfry comes walking out of her office.

"Professor Snape, what is going on? Who is it on the floor?"

"It is Katrina, Poppy. This is the second time she has fainted." Severus said with worry in his voice. He picked her up in his arms. "Do you have a bed for her?"

"Yes, right over there." Madame Pomfry pointed to a bed and Severus walked over to it putting Katrina in the bed. As Madame Pomfry started checking over Katrina, she asked, "Professor, do you not have class to attend to now?"

"Yes, I do. It will finish in a half hour, then I will return to check on her."

Severus left somewhat unwillingly, but he knew that Katrina was in the best possible hands. After he left, Madame Pomfry starts checking her over when Katrina wakes. "Madame Pomfry, what is wrong with me?"

"Nothing that I can see with my tests, dear." Madame Pomfry said. "On a whim, when was your last menstrual cycle?"

"Well, I'm not sure… I think it was in-December." Katrina replied not knowing why she would ask such a question.

"Alright dear, do you think you can make it to the lavatory to give me a urine sample?"

"I can try ma'am." Katrina sat up and got out of bed. She makes it to the lavatory and brings out a cup filled with urine, not knowing what she needed it for.

"Katrina, dear, you should not be standing. Go lie down before you end up on the floor again." Madame Pomfry exclaimed.

"Yes, ma'am." Katrina replied and walked to the bed and had gotten in. She fell asleep as Madame Pomfry continued her tests. She woke some time later to find Severus by her side, waiting for her to wake. "Professor, what are you doing here?" Katrina asked not knowing if it were safe.

"It is alright, dear. Did you sleep well?" He asked touching her forehead, brushing stray hairs out of her face.

"I guess. Madame Pomfry was poking me and then she asked me to go to the bathroom and fill a cup of urine." She started tearing up. "What's wrong with me, Severus?"

"Calm down, sweetheart. We will find out in a few minutes. Madame Pomfry didn't want to wake you up with her findings." He told her.

Opening the curtain moments later, Madame Pomfry walked in. "Oh, good your awake."

"She just woke, Poppy." Severus said.

"Did you find anything wrong with me?" Katrina asked.

"No dear." Madame Pomfry said, but continued. "But, you are pregnant."

"No…no I can't be!" Katrina said as she looked shocked over at Severus who was speechless.

"Now for the record, we will need to know the boy who did this to you. If you refuse, I will have to get the Headmaster."

"You might as well go and fetch him." Katrina answered.

"Very well, then. I shall be back in a few minutes with the Headmaster." Madame Pomfry said a bit annoyed, leaving the room.

There had been silence between the two for a few minutes before Katrina tried to speak. "I'm so sorry, Severus. I never imagined…"

"Katrina, sweetheart, everything will be fine." Severus interrupted her. "I promise."

"I really don't know how to feel about this." She said still shocked. She was not looking at him-she felt ashamed that they created something out of wedlock. "I'm just really scared not knowing what will happen. I don't want to end up like my parents."

"Do not talk like that, love. You do not know how important you are to me. Our child will be given endless love." He turned her head to look at him. "I can't tell you how much I love you right now."

"I guess I'm not so worried about the Headmaster knowing this." She touched her stomach. "I just worry about how the other students will gossip about this. And I worry about you being dismissed when the students parents find out you had an affair with me."

"I wouldn't quite say it was an affair we had, since we're planning on getting married some day." He whispered to her. He let out a deep sigh and continued. "Sweetheart, if we keep it between ourselves, the Headmaster and possibly the staff, then I really see no problem." He lovingly wiped her tears away. "No one will be the wiser unless either one of us lets something slip."

As Severus had been consoling Katrina, Professor Dumbledore arrived. "Oh, good. You're both here."

"I couldn't leave her here feeling abandoned. I've been here since after her potions class had ended."

"That is fine, Severus." Dumbledore said, brushing it off. "I am surprised to hear there will be an addition to the Snape family?"

"Yes, Headmaster." Severus smiled. He looked to Katrina who still had tears rolling down her cheeks. "How shall we handle this, sir?"

"We only have four more months of school left." Dumbledore started. "I think you, Katrina, will be able to conceal yourself until the end of term. Then, next year, we will worry about when the time comes." Katrina only nodded. Dumbledore touched her leg. "Everything will work out, there is nothing to fear Katrina, since you are not pregnant." He winked at Katrina who had looked up in shock.

Instantly, Severus had gotten what the Headmaster's meaning was. "Certainly, sir. It has to be some sort of on going stomach flu." Dumbledore waved and went on his way.

Wiping her eyes, Katrina choked out. "What does that mean, I'm not pregnant?"

"We are the only ones who know you are, and we will carry on as if you have the flu." Severus helped her out of bed. "Let us go to our chambers. You will be able to rest for the remainder of the day.

"What about you? Are you going back to class?" She asked, though, Katrina already knew the answer.

"Afraid so, sweetheart." He kissed the top of her head as they walked out of the room. Walking down the stairs Severus said "We will have to go through the door to your chambers. Then I'll get you in bed." They stayed quiet for the remainder of the walk back to their room. "What are you thinking about, love?" He asked once in their chambers.

"Marriage." She leaned against him, never looking at him. "Unwed parents."

"Is that what has been troubling you the entire time?" She nodded into his chest. "I will marry you when ever you wish."

She still did not look up at him. "Now?" she mumbled.

"I have class in about fifteen minutes." He whispered into the top of her hair as he held her tight. "But, we have this evening, after classes have been dismissed to discuss things with the Headmaster."